Route: Home to Walla Walla, WA via Mt. Hood (Government Camp), Maupin, Shaniko, Antelope, Fossil, Condon, Heppner, Pilot Rock, Pendleton. GPS Tracks for the trip are posted here:https://tworoads.shutterfly.com/pictures/40#36
Miles: 366
Total Time: 10:40
Total Time On Bikes: 6:53
Started out around 9:15am -- perfect start to a motorcycle trip: 54 degrees and overcast. By the time we got to Mt. Hood, the sun was shining and it stayed that way for the day. Temperatures eventually topped out around 72 degrees. Fantastic roads/scenery, perfect weather, excellent stops. Didn't stop for pictures -- but enjoyed a wonderful ride and great stops. Arrived in Walla Walla -- enjoyed a fun Mexican dinner and ready to check the weather for tomorrow and get some sleep and do it all over again tomorrow.
Had lunch in the almost abandoned town of Antelope (the sign said population: 37) -- and was reminded of the 1980's situation where a cult leader Bhagwan Rajneesh bought a ranch here, took over the city and made efforts to take over the county -- as his cult grew to 4000 members. You can get a great, quick review of this entire episode that captured the national news at the time here: http://www.a2zgorge.info/community/towns/antelope.htm . Today the town is just another "ghost" town destination for travelers right in the midst of some wonderfully twisty roads in a high desert environment.
As far as lodging -- Vince's wife's aunt and uncle allowed us to stay in their spacious and beautiful home even though they were out-of-town. We made the mistake of finding dinner before coming to the house -- where we found a wonderfully welcoming note pointing out all the food and drink available for us. We lounged in front of the flat screen to watch the weather channel to scope out our ride through Hells Canyon after leaving here -- and enjoyed a leisurely morning coffee in the comfort of their home. A great place to end a perfect first day -- and to start our second day on the road.
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